Personal augmented reality

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for enabling Personal Augmented Reality (PAR). PAR can include an emitor configured to receive data signals and emit the data signals as light signals. PAR can further include a smart device configured to receive the light signals emitted by the emitor. The smart device can process the light signals to yield a communication and display the communication on a screen.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/165,823, filed on Oct. 19, 2018, now allowed, which claims priorityto and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/574,517, filed on Oct. 19, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of electronic communicationsvia augmented reality.

BACKGROUND

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are evolving as a newmeans of communication between businesses and their consumer customers.Personal extension of a person's intelligence, in the form of smartphones, cameras, and other mobile devices, has become a ubiquitouselement of the world. People commonly carry a collection of items: keys,glasses, wallets, pens, and similar items. At a minimum, these itemsallow individuals to augment and extend individual abilities to gainaccess to secure areas, see more accurate information, purchase thingsand/or provide identity, record information, and/or acknowledge personalpresence and approval. The smart phone is emerging as one item tocollectively perform all of these functions.

Generically, the smart phone is really “AIK” for “augmented intelligenceand knowledge”, where human intelligence and knowledge may be extendedfurther by connection to the Internet. Indeed, AIK may take the form ofa camera, eyeglasses, or other wearable technology; and in time, AIK mayeven be physically embedded in consumers. AIK has evolved slowly andsubtly, but has already become a major element of social change, similarto the printing press and other inventions emblematic of individualfreedoms that preceded the smart phone.

Specifically, Augmented Reality (AR), in the smart phone, can replacesignage by noting the presence, position, and perspective of a camera,and then providing labels for items detected by the camera. The labelstypically originate from a central database, most likely as connectedfrom an Internet cloud. Advertisers, especially web giants have seen alucrative opportunity in providing databases for augmented reality, andthereby becoming the intermediaries in commerce. However, history hasshown that when a government or other large entities create a monopolyon the emission of knowledge, the individual suffers.

The independent individual is largely excluded from the emerging ARvision; however, such an individual can wish to emit or receive opinionsand information, as a first amendment right and without the “assistance”of an intermediary.

Therefore, what is needed is a system or method to preserve anindividual's right to emit and receive selected opinions, free of theobtrusive intervention of outsiders.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides systems and methods to enablecommunication between AIK devices and external emitors.

The above summary is not intended to represent each embodiment or everyaspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary merelyprovides an example of some of the novel aspects and features set forthherein. The above features and advantages, and other features andadvantages of the present disclosure, will be readily apparent from thefollowing detailed description of representative embodiments and modesfor carrying out the present invention, when taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings exemplify the embodiments of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain andillustrate principles of the invention. The drawings are intended toillustrate major features of the exemplary embodiments in a diagrammaticmanner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of actualembodiments nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and arenot drawn to scale.

FIGS. 1A-1B show schematic drawings of exemplary differences betweenreality and augmented reality, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary emitor system, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

FIGS. 3A-3B show exemplary use of an emitor, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary emitor system on an automobile, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary personal augmented reality view, according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary range calculation, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary contact lens, according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is described with reference to the attachedfigures, where like reference numerals are used throughout the figuresto designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawnto scale, and are provided merely to illustrate the instant invention.Several aspects of the invention are described below with reference toexample applications for illustration. It should be understood thatnumerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth toprovide a full understanding of the invention. One having ordinary skillin the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the inventioncan be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or withother methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operationsare not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the invention. The presentinvention is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events,as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently withother acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or eventsare required to implement a methodology in accordance with the presentinvention.

The present disclosure provides for a “Personal Augmented Reality”(PAR), which can allow individuals to exercise greater control over thecommunication received by an AIK. PAR can be independent of a centraldatabase, but can still integrate with a central database. An individualcan still create a sign, advertise, or assert their right to use any ofthe functions of a mobile device or other similar technology. PAR allowsa user to choose to see preferred advertisements or other emittedsignals and to block undesired advertisements or emitted signals.According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an individual canset up a filter or other similar means to selectively viewsignals/communications according to the individual's personalpreferences.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for enablingPersonal Augmented Reality (PAR). PAR can include an emitor configuredto receive data signals and emit the data signals as light signals. PARcan further include a smart device configured to receive the lightsignals emitted by the emitor. The smart device can process the lightsignals to yield a communication and display the communication on ascreen.

FIG. 1A shows an exemplary view 100A of a world without AR. In such aworld 100A, any business location 102 can advertise with visual media.For example, FIG. 1A demonstrate Ira's pizza advertising with a sign.

FIG. 1B shows an exemplary view 100B of a world impacted by augmentedreality where a plurality of advertisements 152, 154, 156, 158, and 160obscure the view 100B of the world. In such a world 100B, Ira's Pizza102 of FIG. 1A can be obscured by the AR advertisements. Although thepresent disclosure refers to advertisements with respect to 152, 154,156, 158, and 160, any type of visual, audio, or electroniccommunication can be envisioned for the purposes of the presentdisclosure. These advertisements 152, 154, 156, 158, and 160 can beemitted by the individual business enterprises themselves. In someinstances, there can be a central database of advertisements whereindividual business enterprises can purchase advertisement space.

FIG. 1B shows how the impact of AR on signage can be to de-prioritizethe individual business (Ira's Pizza 102 from FIG. 1A) that does not payto be included in the central databases relative to corporate chainsthat do pay, or pay handsomely.

Consider the following scenario. Ira's Pizza 102 was established in 1947and has been a fixture in the courthouse square for decades. Theiroriginal Israeli Pizza is so good, that they have never had toadvertise. Recently, a chain pizza house 158 has arrived in theneighborhood and they advertise through the AR corporate conglomerates.In the Internet search, Ira's Pizza 102 is listed on page 31, behind allthe pizza chains. Ira's Pizza 102, cannot afford to advertise, so it isnot included in the AR listing, and its physical label 102 isobliterated by the more prominent listings. If you do not believe this,do a search on any major engine for Ira's Pizza, or Ivy's Pizza or Leo'sPizza. Paid Advertising is often first on the list of the searchresults.

Indeed, because of the revenue potential, unless suppressed, advertisingoverlay, as shown in FIG. 1B, can become the default for AR, like bannerads on web pages. More subtly, physical signs which include icons, orimages that evoke innate human emotional response, like “kindchenschema”for baby care services, can be lost in the shuffle. Indeed, it is thisattractive attribute of child-like facial features, called Kawaii inJapanese, that makes the characters in Pokemon Go such an impulsiveactivity. Imagine an AR game, such as Pokemon Go, obliterated by visualclutter of spurious signs or virtual billboards that block scenic viewsof the game.

Therefore, the present disclosure attempts to solve the problems with ARadvertising. The present disclosure provides systems and methods forindividual business enterprises to advertise their products. The presentdisclosure provides for Personal Augmented Reality (PAR) which includesan emitor (discussed with respect to FIG. 2) and a PAR Application(discussed with respect to FIG. 3).

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary circuit board 200 which acts as an “emitor”,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The circuit board200 can act as an “emitor” (deliberately misspelled to distinguish itfrom the element of a transistor) to emit an intelligent string ofdigital information from a light source.

The circuit board 200 can include a microprocessor 202; an LED 204; aWi-Fi receiver 206; a flash memory 208; and a power source 210. Forexample, the microprocessor 202 can be a low power microprocessor, forexample, of the type often used on greeting cards. The LED 204 can sendlight signals. The Wi-Fi receiver 206 can receive wireless signals. Theflash memory 208 can hold data received from the Wi-Fi receiver 206 ifnecessary. The board 200 is powered by a power source 210; the powersource 210 can include batteries (AC or solar batteries, RF energycaptured from the air, a transponder, or any other appropriate powersource as known in the art. Circuit board 200 can act as an emitor,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

A small emitor communication can be loaded from a network interface viaWi-Fi onto the circuit board 200. The communication can provideinstructions for the LED to emit a coded optical sequence. The emitorcan therefore (1) use the Wi-Fi to function as a relay, (2) train otheremitors to relay bridge connections, (3) coordinate messaging, or (4)perform other similar tasks. There are numerous derivations of thisconcept, as discussed later with respect to FIGS. 4, 5, and 7.

An emitor can be an optical broadcaster that provides digitally-encodedinformation in a light source (such as LED 204). In the various examplesof the present disclosure, the light source can also be a brightunidirectional or omni-directional LED, a low power laser (with orwithout a diffuser). Low power lasers can allow information to bedirected to a specific area. Emitors can be typically small and can bevisible through a window, on jewelry, on a badge, on a business card, ormany other locations as known by a person with appropriate skill in theart. In some examples, emitors can be mounted on aircrafts, drones,balloons, earth satellites, or other airborne vehicles. The emitors canbe directed to a given area on the ground. Emitors can be usedunderwater as well, such as for the location of navigational markers.

Many emitors, according to the various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, can operate at a default slow speed. This can have theappearance of twinkling lights on buildings. Visibility can be avoidedby using IR or near IR light. Cameras can be sensitive to IR or near IRlight but an individual's eyes can typically not see such light. Amaster emitor, can define a filter attribute for many other emitors,such that multiple emitors could be designated to coordinate for moredata.

FIG. 3A provides an exemplary implementation 300A of an emitor circuitboard (such as the emitor 200 of FIG. 2). The implementation can includean emitor 302 at a location. For example, the emitor 302 can bedisplayed out of the window of Ira's Pizza 102.

FIG. 3B shows an exemplary smart device PAR integration system 300B,according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. System 300B caninclude an emitor 352; an application 354; and a smart device 356.

The PAR application 354 can integrate with a camera, smart phone, orother AIK device (for example, smart device 356). A camera on the smartdevice 356 can detect a scene and provide a stabilized image. Theapplication 354 selects a pel, or group of pels, from the stabilizedimage and detects a digital sequence. The pel, or group of pels, can bedetected from the light emitted from an emitor 352 (the emitor can be asprovided for with respect to emitor 200 of FIG. 2). The digital sequencecan then be assembled as a label and presented on the screen of the AIKdevice 356. Such a digital sequence can, for example, be a datatransmission which contains display instructions. The PAR application354 can detect specialized pels configured specifically for integrationwith the PAR application 354. the PAR application 354 can also beconfigured to receive all AR advertisements in a field of view of thecamera.

The user may select in the application 354 for certain filtering, suchthat particular PAR messages can be prioritized over other AR labels. Insome examples, PAR specific images can be integrated with an existingfield of AR labels; in other examples, only the PAR messages can beshown. Any combination can be provided for selecting or discardingimages. The PAR labels can also be filtered for interest, say a filterfor the word “Pizza” or the term “Ira's Pizza”. Indeed, the PAR messagecan be unlimited in length and may include long or unlimited,descriptions that may be delivered to the user as text or images.

Therefore, PAR application 354 can provide a means to filter imagesbased on content. For example, images can be filtered based on theirindependence, the importance of an image, priorities set by centralizedlabeling (in either AR or PAR). Such performance can preserve theesthetics and originality of a scene, and can even make augmentedreality perception safer. In some examples, there can be zones or aparticular AR image that suppresses labeling, advertisements, or othersignage in lieu of traffic and safety warning signs. PAR could offer theconcept of “clear labels” that are transparent areas by default and setas a highest priority in filtering, to guarantee access to safetysignals. Generally, filtering can come from a list of objects that arepermitted and a list of objects that can be suppressed. In someembodiments of the present disclosure, filters can be provided for anypreferred content type (e.g. pizza).

In other examples of the PAR application 354, the light source 352 canappear in the camera view as a brighter speck that may resembletwinkling dot of light, when operated with low data rates. The data ratecan initially be slow, so as to allow one bit of information from eachpel, or group of pels, per frame of video. In some examples, this can be30 frames per second (for NSTC standard/25 for PAL) yieldingapproximately 40 seconds to accumulate the amount of information in a“tweet” format (140 characters) or in less than a minute. A short labelcan be approximately 2 seconds. The slow data rate can be acceptable forthe purpose of labeling. Much faster data rates can be possible withcamera image detectors operating at high data rates. Although fastercamera image detectors are not common in conventional smart phones, thepresent disclosure provides that the smart device 356 can be any rangeof technologies which include a camera. For example, higher end digitalcameras can provide superior optics to select emitors at long range. Thefeatures of higher end cameras can trickle down to smart phones overtime, especially if faster refresh is desirable for slow motion capture.

The PAR application 354 can run in the smart device 356. The localintelligence can stabilize the image and can isolate a section thatincludes the emitor source. While the data rate per pel may be low,there are many pels on the camera image detector and several streams ofoptical data that can be received simultaneously. For example, in a 10mega pixel stabilized image detector, 100, perhaps 1000 or more,different streams can potentially be isolated with good optics,auto-correlation of adjacent pels, and stabilization. In use, all ofthis information can be gathered in a short time period. In someexamples, the time period for gathering the information can be a similarto the length of time for a time exposure or the length of an HDR imagecapture. The intelligent AIK can then select the relevant information,or aggregate long strings from multiple coordinated emitors into onemessage. Through this means, one could identify a single individual in aroom from hundreds of other individuals.

It is envisioned that the application 354 can be given away as a freedownload and the Emitor could be sold at cost in order to establish astandard. For example, the application 354 can be provided on a USB sothat the application 354 is operable without Internet connection. Theapplication 354 can be preloaded in the smart device 356 as well,available for download via a Wi-Fi connection of the smart device 356,or any other means of getting an application onto a smart device, asknown in the art.

Application 354 can therefore access information which is independent ofany central database storage of AR image labels. System 300B requires nodependence on Internet, cellular, or any type of online access.Application 354 does not need to upload/download/or integrate with otheronline databases in order to identify a PAR entity. Therefore,application 354 can work in areas where connectivity to the Internet isoften unavailable. For example, the PAR application 354 can work on acruise ship. Application 354 can coordinate well with social networkapplications that direct customers to specific vendors and can be usedto augment central database information, rather than simply compete withthe central database.

For example, the central database may not be aware of today's special atIra's Pizza. Ira's Pizza can transmit an advertisement through theiremitor 200. An exemplary embodiment of this is shown in FIG. 5. Anexemplary advertisement could be: “Chocolate Falafel” and that it isavailable in 12″, 14″ and 16″ sizes for $9.99 up with pickles extra.”Therefore, PAR users can be aware of additional advertisements beyondthe advertisements of any central database. As shown view 500 of FIG. 5,existing advertisements 502, 504, 506, and 508 are included in the view.However, a PAR user is able to clearly see a personalized advertisement510 for Ira's Pizza.

In some examples of the present disclosure, a healthcare embodiment ofPAR can be provided which does not require cellular service. The emitor200 can be worn as a badge or jewelry to designate the location andidentity of an individual. For example, the emitor 200 can help locatean individual in need.

For example, emergency services can be called to an address by anamulet, without the need to provide additional knowledge of where theindividual requiring services is. the emitor 200 can help locate anindividual and can further emit critical patient information, links toinformation, blood type, medical history, next of kin, or other relevanthealthcare data.

In some examples, a smart device 356 can collect information about thewellness of an individual, for example, heart rate and rhythm data. Asdetected by the smart device 356, or other remote intelligence, a personundergoing a medical problem can notify their location and theircondition to nearby individuals. For example, a person entering atrialfibrillation, diabetic shock, or losing balance, etc. can designatetheir condition to nearby individuals, or EMT services, or hospitaladmission automatically on arrival.

In some examples, an individual entering a medical facility can beimmediately directed by a emitor 200 of the medical facility. In someexamples, an application 354 of an individual can detect specialtydirections that the individual has set a filter for. In some examplesthe emitor 200 can send out special instructions for a particularperson's application 354.

In some examples, a beacon can cause AR to focus or enlarge real sign.It may also relay emitors that are hidden from view, as in corridors,buildings, or alleys.

In some examples, a patient can have their key information on theirbracelet, much like a medic alert, with no dependence on externalsystems or network access. Bracelet information can be repeated outsidea patient's room. Beacons on room can indicate a level of need of thepatients, which patients are in the most critical need, which patient isnext in sequence, or where a patient is in a hall or ward.

In some examples of the present disclosure as used in the military orhomeland security field hospitals, the present disclosure can providefor assigning triage priority. Backup battery power and persistentstorage can be required in critical applications.

In some examples, a surgical tool can emit the tactile forces,temperature, and/or color at the point of a scalpel. The tool can directan additional camera to provide an enlarged view or perspective of theactivity.

In some examples, multiple surgeons and tools can communicate tocoordinate timing and sequence during operations. For example, an EG, acauterizing tool, a scalpel, and a clamp can all be by a common cameraon a smart device 356. The application 354 can identify the differentorientations and magnifications for each surgeon and/or tool. In someexamples, each surgeon can see their own PAR application 354 on a smartdevice 356 which provides the correct orientation of the tools for eachsurgeon. For training, PAR application 354 can provide for an organimage to be clearly displayed in various orientations as an attacheddirectional beacon is manipulated.

In some examples of the present disclosure, a social networkingembodiment can be provided for. For example, a customer can be directedto a product or service that is attractive to a given affinity groupbased on the application 354 filtering for that affinity. For example,people with similar interest can select similar filters to meet atdesignated locations on a cruise ship (where internet access isexpensive).

In other examples, members of an affinity group can find each other at acommon point, by sensing the emitors 200 of peer members. In someexamples, two individuals (who might be dating) can locate each other,and in other examples, a plurality of individuals can identify eachother.

In some examples, an individual can wear a business card as an emitor200 and advertise to those nearby—while those seeking the service,product, or expertise filter for their desires via the application 354.For example, a limousine service can thereby arrange for meeting acustomer at an airport.

A person skilled in the art can readily understand that many of theexamples discussed above with respect to the various embodiments can beimplemented across a wide variety of activities, professions, andfields. Although the present disclosure references several particularimplementations, many more implementations are enabled by the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 demonstrates an embodiment of the present disclosure which isdirected to an exemplary emitor array on a car 400. The car 400 caninclude a front right emitor 402; a front left emitor 404; a rear leftemitor 406; and a rear right emitor 408. Such a car 400 can provide foradditional vehicle safety.

Each of the principal LED lights in a vehicle can be an emitor 402, 404,406, and 408 and can respectively emit “LF,” “RF,” “LR,” and “RR” or anyother location identifying information. In some examples, the emitors402, 404, 406, and 408 can provide modulated data indicating theorientation and direction code (ODC) of a vehicle, even at greatdistance. In some examples, the emitors 402, 404, 406, and 408 can emit“01”, “11,” “00,” and “10” to indicate their respective locations.

Typically, only 2 or 3 lights can be visible, such that in FIG. 4, RF,LF and LR are shown and RR is not visible. All 4 lights can only bevisible from above.

In some examples, vehicle speed can be estimated where only a roughapproximation of the distances between the lights is known. In FIG. 4,the vehicle can be oriented with the left front side nearest the cameraand can move from left to right. This provides be 2 or 3 streams (4 ifviewed from above) of 2-bit data each from emitors 402, 404, and 406.Emitors 402, 404, 406, and 408 can coordinate sequence to eliminateinterference. Emitors 402, 404, 406, and 408 can still revealorientation as “01” then “11” then “00” can be detected as a single pelin the camera from the multiple coordinated emitors 402, 404, 406, and408 at a great distance. The sequence can be clockwise from above, orcounterclockwise from below or if overturned/inverted (as in anairplane).

With VIN lookup, exact separations of emitors 402, 404, 406, and 408 canbe known. For the purposes of identification and discrimination againstother vehicles, all of part of a VIN number, state code, and/or licensenumber can be included (continuously or periodically) as a stringfollowing the orientation and direction code. If each alphanumericcharacter in a license plate is defined by 5 bits and there are up to 6characters, then 30 bits can define the license number. This can be 15bits in addition to 2 bits per stream. Alternate emitors 402, 404, 406,and 408 can always be visible as the emitors 402, 404, 406, and 408 arethe headlights and tail lights. Many conventional cars include LEDtechnology for their headlights and tail lights.

FIG. 4 provides an example of a Directionally Sensitive Beacon—wheredifferent information can be emitted by one or more emitors 402, 404,406, and 408 in an array such that the orientation of the receiver tothe emitors 402, 404, 406, or 408 is determinant. Other applications canbe: detection/identification of lost items, or any moving vehicle,aircraft, boats. Road signage can carry directions or best route to thenearest major city. Signs can be read differently according to thedirection a user approaches the sign.

In other examples, the information can be relayed in and out of carsfrom emitors 402, 404, 406, and 408 or cameras that are on cell phones.

In some examples, the application 354 can present actual or synthesizedimage of the vehicle or object, in the correct orientation, for improvedclarity. Once identified, telescopic enlargement and digitally enhancedimages can be created by the AIK processor. In some examples,enhancement can provide for friend/foe identification or remote trackingof emitor-tagged contraband. Multiple cameras can coordinate forcombined enhancement of a beacon-tagged item.

FIG. 6 demonstrates how a PAR application 354 can provide for anexemplary range determination, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The range calculation 600 can include a first distance 602;distance between emitors 604; an angle of acceptance 608; and a seconddistance 610. Depending on the resolution, optics, and stabilization ofthe camera, the vehicle can be a significant distance away. FIG. 6provides a range determination where the minimum distance 604 betweenthe widest ODC emitors is 1 m and 1.2 million pels in an array of4000×3000 (worst case camera on side) and 11 idle pels between theemitors with 2 pels min active (15 pels total). Therefore, this yieldsan angle of acceptance 608 of 15/3000 or 1/200. Net a distance of 1 mmin×1/0.005 as the maximum distance 602 to the object or 200 meters. Theminimum stopping distance of most cars is approximately 120 m at 120km/hr (80 mph) with human reaction time included. 25 MM between pels canbe 1 meter apart at 200 meters, as demonstrated in FIG. 6.

Next, a car can be uniquely identified by model, speed, direction, andrange estimates such that a worst case stopping distance is still withinthe range when using this technique. The PAR library can overlay animage of the vehicle, even if it is otherwise obscured. There is nodependence on Internet access via cellular, Wi-Fi, or satellite; thistechnique can work independently at any point on the globe and can beeasily adapted to driverless cars. As this example shows, only 2-3emitors are needed to resolve the orientation of a user to any object.The object could be fixed and aligned to latitude and longitude, suchthat it would work for remotely locating navigational markers anywhereas in maritime channel and harbor markers. FIG. 6 shows that the ODCmarkers may be of different colors or IR and need not be visible to auser. In some examples of the present disclosure, sensors can detecttexting, driverless, or alcohol.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary contact lens 700, according to an embodimentof the present disclosure. Contact lens 700 can include a PAR receive702; and four LED displays 704, 706, 708, and 710. Therefore, lens 700provides a simple display with 4 LCD/led arrows 704, 706, 708, and 710.The PAR receiver 702 can be powered via light, passive RF or RFID, or atemperature differential power. The PAR receive 702 can receive commandsfrom human or virtual intelligence. Lens 700 can be used for a pilot,foot soldier, or police or other profession, where commands can bedelivered via low power laser, specifically to an individual withfriend/foe identification.

Lens 700 can also provide for alphanumeric reception. The sametechnology can also work for less challenging “Heads-up” or Eyeglassdisplays. The contact lens could also contain an emitor (not pictured).In some examples, the emitor can provide GPS positioning data.

In some examples of the present disclosure, the beacons from a pluralityof emitors can coordinate. For example, multiple affinity group membersclustered together can each announce their destinations and proposedactivities to other more via their emitors 200. In some examples, thecommunication can occur sequentially between members. In some examples,the communication can be emitted to distant members potentially joiningso as to not interfere with the emitors in the affinity group members.

In some examples of the present disclosure, a group of scuba divers cancommunicate (even underwater) about which wreck or reef that they willbe diving on and invite other nearby divers to join them. Beacons canwork above or under water to locate dive buddies. Alternate colors orUV-IR-X or microwave (solid state maser) can change on emitors 200 tomake them penetrate coverings more effectively.

The present disclosure also provides for an emitor-camera pair. Anemitor 200 can designate the general information “Ira's Pizza.” A camerapaired to the emitor 200 can locate the individual relative to Ira'sPizza with a responding emitor (for example, each smart device 356 canalso include an emitor 200) and give specific directions for the user toget to the restaurant—(e.g. walk 120 feet, turn right and go upstairs).Default refresh rates and transmission speed can shift following thispairing.

The present disclosure can also provide for the following additionalembodiments. A person skilled in the art would readily understand how tointegrate the present disclosure with the following examples:

-   -   Use with transponder with directed microwave power through Wi-Fi        (microwave energy captured for Emitor power—with automatic gain        control and limiting on Wi-Fi module for reception of commands.    -   Friend/Foe and individual Identification in military. Color can        be used as differentiator.    -   Emission of pre-coded information on passports for        identification    -   ID badge—can be coded for detection in certain areas. Visible by        even low resolution security cameras    -   Business card can emit streams of information    -   Array of emitors with separate coordinated simultaneous data        streams (for higher overall bandwidth).    -   Emergency beacons—can operate as hub to control/relay through        nearby Wi-Fi devices.    -   Personal identifier. Preset code can be set via email and loaded        to emitor. The code can later be detected by a smart device to        authenticate individual. (For example, taxi drivers, service or        delivery workers, dating applications, etc. can make use of        this).    -   License plates on car can be read at great distance or any angle        and renewed online.    -   Stolen vehicles can be located.    -   Signage—speed signs, warning and directional assistance. Mailbox        for robot postman in driverless car.    -   Waterway buoys and signage can emit changing depth, or        temperature of water    -   Omnidirectional/unidirectional Coded transponder response of        ships, vehicles or aircraft can communicate at great distances        or under Internet command. Serial number identification can        occur at great distances.    -   Locating lost or misplaced items, children, or pets. Wi-Fi links        can integrate with any SID, respond to a query with light, and        report SID back to the query source.    -   Electronic SmartStamp on letter. Such a stamp can emit a        destination, a return address, the postage paid, routes with        automated equipment to address, and provide a signals receipt.        Such a SmartStamp can receive energy by RF. SmartStamps can be        reusable and re-charged with postage online. SmartStamps can be        recyclable, sold pre-charged, and/or be set for return postage        to specified address.    -   Unique Location of unsorted overnight shipped items in a pile,        sorting of the items, identifying such items without vision of        the item.    -   Marking of consumer items with contents and condition of        contents.    -   Satellite direct communication to cell phones and all AIKs for        homeland security mass warnings. Such a technology has no        reliance on GPS or Internet, or any connectivity. A user can        simply aim cell phone camera to a particular point in the sky to        receive messaging. This can also be done for mass communication        by aircraft, drones, and balloons.    -   Secure emergency/military communication in absence of all        traditional connectivity can be modulated laser powered by        sunlight and intermittently broadcast to achieve brightness with        low power. Narrow laser beams can be directed to specific to        areas on the ground, and at specific periods of time to save        power.    -   Designate movement or destination: digital modulated lasers can        direct people to particular locations. For example, specific        individuals filtered for directions. Such an embodiment would be        optimal with contact lens receiver, as shown in FIG. 7.

In some examples of the present disclosure, the emitor can also providefor tracking of lost items, people, keys, pets, cell phones, stolenvehicles, trailers, etc. Emitor Beacon designates presence andorientation to observer—with multiple emitors, the ranging and directionof travel can be determined—as in the automotive example. (e.g. Fido is200 feet away—in view shown on Smart Phone, and is traveling NW towardfire hydrant.) If only a single pel is detected, sequential ordering ofemitors on a collar might still tell orientation. [0069] Cameras orweapons could be aimed as slave devices to the PAR system. Surveillanceof a PAR beacon equipped vehicle could be achieved at great distance asper the example in FIG. 4. Useful for police, homeland security,military. Function could be embedded in car computer and made difficultto modify.

While various examples of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample only, and not limitation. Numerous changes to the disclosedexamples can be made in accordance with the disclosure herein withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the breadthand scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of theabove described examples. Rather, the scope of the invention should bedefined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respectto one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modificationswill occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading andunderstanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. Inaddition, while a particular feature of the invention may have beendisclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, suchfeature may be combined with one or more other features of the otherimplementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given orparticular application.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexamples only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including,”“includes,” “having,” “has,” “with,” or variants thereof, are used ineither the detailed description and/or the claims, such terms areintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.”

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.Furthermore, terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries,should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with theirmeaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpretedin an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so definedherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: at least one emitorconfigured to emit a pre-defined lighting sequence; and an augmentedintelligence and knowledge (AIK) device, wherein the AIK device isconfigured to: acquire a plurality of images of an area including the atleast one emitor; detect the pre-defined lighting sequence from theplurality of images; assemble augmented reality indicia based onepre-defined lighting sequence; and incorporate the augmented realityindicia into the plurality of images.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe emitor is a network-connected device.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the emitor is a standalone device.